Teresa Cavanaugh Obituary

Terry Cavanaugh passed away, peacefully, Sunday, May 18, 2014 at the age of 94. She was born April 16, 1920 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Edward A. Jardel and Theresa M. (Broderick) Jardel.

A product of a strict, no nonsense Catholic upbringing, Terry found her sense of self by developing a sharp wit and wry humor which she passed on to her son and daughter. An avid reader (biography, mystery and suspense) and card shark (bridge, canasta and pinochle), throughout her life she carried a deep appreciation for music (tap and swing dance, attending Broadway musicals), flowers (growing and arranging) and fashion.



Terry began her work career during the depression as a secretary in Rush Hospital, Philadelphia. She attended the University of Pennsylvania until the financial burden forced her back to full-time work. From there she completed a 15 year career with Bell Telephone of Pennsylvania as an operator and trainer. When the family moved to Wilmington, Delaware in 1959, she transferred her skill set to the DuPont Company. Terry got her start in the 'secretarial pool' and was quickly promoted. She spent the majority of her career in the Personnel Department, her last position as a Wage Analyst and trainer. Per corporate policy, she was forced to retire at the tender age of 62.



In 1941, Terry reluctantly went on a blind date with an acquaintance of one of her telephone company co-workers. The reluctance dissipated and a courtship began with Eugene "Gene" Cavanaugh. Originally from Atlantic City, New Jersey and then living in Philadelphia, Gene was soon drafted into the Army Air Corps. On Valentine's Day, 1942, they were married (against her mother's wishes) in Sebring, Florida. Their first child, David, was born in 1943. When the war ended, the family moved back to the Philadelphia area in 1945. In 1955 their second child, Mimi (a surprise), was born. After an extremely difficult pregnancy, Terry gave birth to their third child, Brian in 1956. Brian survived only for a few days, and Terry's recovery took months.



Terry and Gene moved to Colorado Springs in 1991 to assist Gene in his recovery from a massive heart attack in 1989; it was successful, as he lived many years beyond the doctor's prognosis. They became grounded in the Springs as 'Grand Friends' in different District 11 elementary schools and were active in the westside Sacred Heart Catholic Church parish.

In addition to Brian, Terry was preceded in death by her parents, her only sibling, Helen Gunkel, and Gene, her beloved husband of 54 years at the time of his passing in 1996 at the age of 83.

Terry is survived by her son, David (Margaret) of Columbia, Maryland; daughter, Mimi (Barbara Richardson) of Colorado Springs; 8 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

Remembrance Gathering and Reception, 2-4pm, Saturday, June 21, 2014, The Springs Funeral Services, 3115 E. Platte Ave.

Memorials may be made to: Garden of the Gods Resident Council; c/o The Gardens, 104 Lois Lane, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80904, and SolAmor Hospice, 655 Southpointe Ct. #201, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80906.